BALLADS

Ballads are narrative poems that have a simple refrain. They are intended to be sung and usually have to do with something romantic or sentimental. Many songs that we have heard are ballads. Can you think of any ballads?

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Rudyard Kipling, James Joyce, Edgar Allen Poe and Robert Burns are all famous poets who wrote ballads. Nursery rhymes are usually written as ballads. This type of poem has a specific format and use refrains and stanzas.

One lyrical ballad by Don McLean is about a very famous poet. Recognize this painting?



Lyrics | McLean Don lyrics - Starry Starry Night lyrics
This ballad describes the life of Vincent Van Gogh. The lyrics connect to his paintings, sharing his life story. The sentimental value is elevated when you add music to the lyrics. Read about Van Gogh in the following links and then watch the video that follows. Contribute to the discussion on the discussions page by answering the question and then commenting on one of your classmates posts.

Vincent Van Gogh Biography
Van Gogh Library
Starry, Starry Night Explanation
Don McLean Website